021. Jesus Parts “Sheep” from “Goats” that Lack Practical Love

Cobbler

(Stand and pretend to wipe a window, facing the people.)
What smudges!
I haven’t cleaned this window since my wife died, years ago.

Skeptic

(Approach Cobbler from the side)
Cobbler, you’re finally tidying up your messy shoe shop!
You must be expecting a visit from Russia’s grand Tsar.

Cobbler

Someone even more important than the Tsar!
The Lord is coming to visit me before sundown.
I had a dream, and it was real!

Skeptic

(Laugh)
Oh my! So you’re a saint now! Let me kiss your ring!
I’d better go. Your eminent guest would not appreciate
having a faithless reprobate like me hanging around!
(Step away, laughing)

Shoeless

(Approach Cobbler from one side)
Cobbler, I need work.
Look. I’m barefoot; my shoes wore out, and it’s cold.

Prompter & Echoes

Below freezing!

Cobbler

I do too little business to hire help. Don’t bother me.

Shoeless

(Turn)
Ouch!
(Hop, holding one foot) I stepped on a nail!

Cobbler

Oh, here! Take these shoes.
(Pretend to hand him shoes)
I probably never will sell them anyway.

Shoeless

(Pretend to slip shoes on, and limp toward the door.)
Ouch!

Prompter & Echoes

They hurt!

Cobbler

You moron! You put them on the wrong feet! Now go.

Shoeless

(Pretend to change shoes.)
Ahh! That’s better.
(Step away)

Jobless

(Approach Cobbler from one side)
Cobbler, Cossacks commandeered my carthorse;
now I have no work. I’m hungry! Can you spare me a bite?

Prompter & Echoes

He’s hungry!

Cobbler

Oh, take my lunch; it’s on that shelf by the door.
I’m too nervous to eat it anyway.

Jobless

May the saints bless you, citizen.
(Pretend to pick up a bag and step away.)

Widow

(Approach Cobbler from one side)
Sir, my clothes are worn, and I need work.
I’m a widow. Can I clean up your shop?

Cobbler

No, but you can have my departed wife’s coat.
It’s hanging there by the door.
Take it on your way out.

Widow

Oh, thank you, kind sir!
(Step away)

Prompter & Echoes

Gracious!

Skeptic

(Approach)
The sun has set, Cobbler.
Did you enjoy your visit with your grand guest?
Did the Lord anoint you as Archbishop?
 (Laugh derisively.)
Maybe he brought you a message from your departed wife!

Cobbler

Out! Out!
(Shake a fist at skeptic, cover your face and groan.)

Skeptic

I’m sorry! I’m really sorry! That was thoughtless of me.
Oh, let me cheer you up! Did you do good business today?

Cobbler

Business was terrible. I gave everything away!
A barefoot beggar came, and I gave him shoes to get rid of him.
A guy came begging for work, and I gave him my lunch.
A widow came and I gave her my departed wife’s coat.
Yeah, I had a great day all right!

Skeptic

What did you say?
(Shake Cobbler’s shoulder and shout)
Cobbler! What did you say?
He came! He came, Cobbler! Listen to me!

Prompter & Echoes

He came!

Cobbler

Oh, yeah!
With thousands of angels and trumpets, in clouds of glory!

Skeptic

Listen!
My mom told me long ago what Jesus our judge would say
to the faithful gathered on his right hand in Glory:
“Enter, blessed ones. For I was hungry, and you fed me.
I was thirsty and you gave me drink;
I was naked, and you clothed me.”
(Lay a hand on Cobbler’s shoulder.)
“Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these,
you did it to me.”

Cobbler

Jesus said that? He actually said that?
Then… Then… Oh, dear God!
(Fall to your knees.)

Skeptic

(Shout)
Then he tells those on his left,
“Depart from me, accursed ones into eternal punishment,
for I was hungry, and you gave me nothing,
thirsty, and you gave me no drink, naked,
and you did not clothe me.”

Prompter & Echoes

Shame!

Skeptic

Oh, Lord, you have come!
You have come to us both.
(Embrace Cobbler.)

Prompter & Echoes

Lord, we will serve you this way!